Display positioning apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for positioning an electronic display can be combined with an existing work surface to provide a multi-position workstation. In some cases, the apparatus includes a mounting portion configured to support an electronic display and a keyboard. The mounting portion may be movable with respect to the work surface between multiple positions, including for example, a sitting position and a standing position.

CROSS-REFERENCES

This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/172,584, filed Feb. 10, 2021, which is aContinuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/856,873,filed Apr. 23, 2020, which is a Continuation Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/198,533, filed Nov. 21, 2018, which is aContinuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/720,855,filed Sep. 29, 2017, which is a Continuation Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/400,034, filed Jan. 6, 2017, which is aContinuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/135,156,filed Apr. 21, 2016, which is a Continuation Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/795,627, filed Jul. 9, 2015, which is aContinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/340,074 filed Jul.24, 2014, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/964,870, filed Aug. 12, 2013, which is a Continuation of Ser. No.13/191,170, filed Jul. 26, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/369,430, filed Jul. 30, 2010, U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/369,392, filed Jul. 30, 2010, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/412,456, filed Nov. 11, 2010, the contenteach of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to devices thatcan move equipment such as electronic displays, keyboards, and otheritems between multiple positions relative to an operator.

BACKGROUND

Many jobs involve working with personal computers and/or displaymonitors. In such jobs, the personal computers and/or display monitorsmay be used by multiple operators at different times during a day. Insome settings, one computer and/or monitor may be used by multiplepeople of different sizes and having different preferences in a singleday. Given the differences in people's size and differences in theirpreferences, a monitor or display adjusted at one setting for oneindividual may be inappropriate for another individual. For instance, achild would have different physical space needs than an adult using thesame computer and monitor. Further, a single user may wish to use acomputer and/or display from multiple positions. For example, a singleuser may wish to periodically both sit and stand while using thecomputer/monitor. In some situations, users desire to perform operationsin various postures. For example, one may desire to perform someoperations in a seated position and others in a standing position. Insuch situations, it may be required that both the seated operations andthe standing operations be done at the same workstation, which mayinclude a computer monitor, a keyboard, and/or a mouse. Such a user willdesire the monitor and other equipment to be at different heights whilesitting and standing.

As adjustable height mechanisms for displays have become more widespreadand users have experienced their advantages, users are more frequentlyadjusting the height of their monitors and other equipment. Further,such adjustments are now more frequently desired over a wide range oftravel.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for positioningan electronic display and a keyboard is provided. The apparatus includesa base configured to attach to a work surface, a support columnextending upward from the base, and a mounting portion movably coupledto the support column through a vertical range of travel relative to thework surface. The mounting portion is configured to simultaneously movethe electronic display and the keyboard within the vertical range oftravel.

According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus forpositioning an electronic display and a keyboard is provided. Theapparatus includes a base configured to attach to a generally horizontalwork surface and a support column extending upward from the base. Theapparatus also includes a mounting portion that has an electronicdisplay mount and a keyboard tray. A first lift mechanism movablycouples the mounting portion to the support column through a verticalrange of travel. The keyboard tray is positioned below the work surfacein a lowest position in the vertical range of travel. The keyboard trayis positioned above the work surface in a highest position in thevertical range of travel.

Another aspect of the invention includes a method for positioning anelectronic display and a keyboard. The method includes attaching apositioning apparatus to a work surface. The positioning apparatus has abase configured to attach to the work surface, a support columnextending upward from the base, and a mounting portion movably coupledto the support column through a vertical range of travel relative to thework surface. The method also includes supporting the electronic displayand the keyboard with the mounting portion. The method also includesmoving the mounting portion through a vertical range of travel tosimultaneously move the electronic display and the keyboard relative tothe support column and work surface.

Embodiments of the present invention can provide one or more of thefollowing features and/or advantages. In some cases the base of thepositioning apparatus is configured to rigidly attach to the worksurface. The rigid attachment can be through a hole in the work surface,and in some cases may use a fastener such as a bolt and an optionalattachment plate that can receive and secure one end of the fastener onone side of the work surface opposite the base. In certain embodimentsthe base is configured to removably attach to the work surface. Forexample, in some cases the base comprises a clamp that enables removablyattaching the base about an edge of the work surface. In some cases theclamp includes a first clamping element, a second clamping element, andan adjustable screw threadedly coupled to the first and the secondclamping elements such that turning the screw a first direction movesthe clamping elements together to loosen the clamp and such that turningthe screw a second direction moves the first and the second clampingelements apart to tighten the clamp. In some cases the clamp comprises ac-clamp, which may optionally include an upper bracket and an adjustablelower bracket coupled to the upper bracket. In some cases the lowerbracket includes a first leg and a second leg having different lengths.The first leg and the second leg are configured to couple to the upperbracket in alternate first and second configurations. In some cases theclamp comprises a wedge. The clamp may have a lower leg with an inclinedsurface and the wedge can be configured to move along the inclinedsurface to tighten and loosen the clamp.

In some embodiments of the invention, a positioning apparatus includes akeyboard tray configured to support the keyboard. In certain cases thekeyboard tray is positioned below the work surface in a lowest positionin the vertical range of travel and/or the keyboard tray is positionedabove the work surface in a highest position in the vertical range oftravel. In some cases the mounting portion has a keyboard tilt mechanismfor adjusting an angle of the keyboard tray with respect to the worksurface. In some cases the vertical range of travel is at least about 14inches, while in some cases the vertical range of travel is betweenabout 14 inches and about 24 inches. In certain cases the vertical rangeof travel extends between a sitting position and a standing position.Further, in some cases the mounting portion includes an electronicdisplay mount, a keyboard tray, and an elongated portion between theelectronic display mount and the keyboard tray. A work surface can beattached to the elongated portion of the mounting portion.

These and various other features and advantages will be apparent from areading of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of thepresent invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention.The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended foruse in conjunction with the explanations in the following detaileddescription. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter bedescribed in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein likenumerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a positioning apparatus in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a side view of the positioning apparatus of FIG. 1 with amounting portion in a first position.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the positioning apparatus of FIG. 1 with amounting portion in a second position.

FIG. 3 is a side cross-section of the positioning apparatus of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a keyboard tray shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of a lift mechanism shown inFIG. 3 .

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of a lift mechanism shown inFIG. 3 .

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a second lift mechanism shown in FIG. 3 .

FIGS. 8A-8B are front perspective views of a positioning apparatus in alowered position and a raised position, respectively, in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9A-9B are rear perspective views of a positioning apparatus in alowered position and a raised position, respectively, in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a screw clamp in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10B is a top view of the screw clamp of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C is a front view of the screw clamp of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10D is a bottom view of the screw clamp of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10E is a side view of the screw clamp of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a screw clamp in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11B is a top view of the screw clamp of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C is a front view of the screw clamp of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11D is a bottom view of the screw clamp of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11E is a side view of the screw clamp of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a c-clamp in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13A is a side view of the c-clamp shown in FIG. 12 in a firstconfiguration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13B is a side view of the c-clamp shown in FIG. 12 in a secondconfiguration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a c-clamp attached to a support surface inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a wedge clamp attached to a support surface inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a positioning apparatus with anattachment plate configured to attach to a support surface in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 17A-17D are perspective views of positioning apparatuses withdifferent mounting options in accordance with embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a positioning apparatus including akeyboard work surface in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a positioning apparatus including akeyboard tray and a work surface in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 20A-20B are front perspective views of a positioning apparatus ina raised position and a lowered position, respectively, in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 21A-21B are front perspective views of a positioning apparatuswith a keyboard tray in a contracted position and an extended position,respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 22A-22C are front perspective views of a positioning apparatuswith swivel functionality in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 23A-C are elevation views of crossbars in accordance withembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25 is a partially exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 24 .

FIGS. 26A and 26B are partial, exploded views of a bottom portion of theapparatus of FIG. 24 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 27 is a partial elevation view of a top portion of an apparatus inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a bottom portion of an apparatus inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 29A and 29B are perspective views of a cam member including afirst cam and a second cam in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 30 is a side plan view of the cam member of FIG. 29A.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a wheel.

FIG. 32 is a side plan view of the wheel of FIG. 31 .

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a pulley system in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 34 is a side plan view of the pulley system of FIG. 33 .

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a portion of a balance mechanism in astate corresponding to a first position of a mounting portion.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a portion of a balance mechanism in astate corresponding to a second position of a mounting portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is notintended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of theinvention in any way. Rather, the following description provides somepractical illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, andmanufacturing processes are provided for selected elements, and allother elements employ that which is known to those of ordinary skill inthe field of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize thatmany of the noted examples have a variety of suitable alternatives.

Some embodiments of the invention generally provide apparatuses capableof positioning various equipment relative to a human operator. Forexample, in some cases a positioning apparatus can support items such aselectronic displays, a laptop computer (i.e., notebook), a keyboard,and/or other computing equipment, such as a mouse. As used herein, theterm electronic display is used to refer to televisions, computermonitors, tablet computers, and other types of displays capable ofdisplaying images from electronic signals. The embodiments discussedherein provide several examples of positioning apparatuses capable ofpositioning such types of computing equipment, however, it iscontemplated that embodiments of the invention can be used forpositioning a wide variety of items and the scope of the invention isnot limited in this regard.

FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 3 illustrate an example of a positioning apparatus100 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 is a perspectiveview of the positioning apparatus 100 and FIG. 3 is a sidecross-sectional view of the positioning apparatus 100. FIG. 2A providesa side view of the positioning apparatus 100 with a mounting portion ina first position, while FIG. 2B shows the mounting portion in a secondposition. In this example, the positioning apparatus 100 is configuredto support and move a single electronic display (not shown), a keyboard(not shown), and a mouse (not shown) relative to a work surface thatsupports the positioning apparatus 100. It should be appreciated thatthe positioning apparatus 100 illustrates just one of many possibleequipment configurations. Other combinations of displays, keyboards,pointing devices, and other equipment and accessories are contemplated,some of which will be discussed further herein.

The positioning apparatus 100 includes a base 102 and a support column104 extending upward from the base 102. A mounting portion 106 ismovably coupled to the support column 104 through a generally verticalrange of travel 108, allowing the mounting portion 106 to move up anddown relative to the base 102 and the support column 104. For example,in some cases a lift mechanism 109 (FIG. 3 ) is provided that movablycouples the mounting portion 106 and the support column 104. Themounting portion 106 is configured to support an electronic display anda keyboard and move them together (e.g., simultaneously) within thevertical range of travel 108. In the example shown in FIGS. 1, 2A-2B,and 3, the mounting portion 106 includes an electronic display mount 110configured to couple to and support an electronic display. In addition,the mounting portion 106 includes a keyboard tray 112 for supporting akeyboard and a mouse tray 119 for supporting a mouse or other pointingdevice.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the positioning apparatus 100 isconfigured to be supported by a work surface 118 (shown in dotted line).For example, the base 102 of the apparatus can include one or morebottom surfaces that sit upon the work surface 118. According to someembodiments of the invention, the positioning apparatus 100 isadvantageously configured to sit on a wide variety of existing worksurfaces such as the top surfaces of desks, tables, trays, counters, andthe like. As used herein, the term “work surface” is used to refer toboth the outermost top surface of such articles, as well as the topplanar member (e.g., table top or desk top) having a thickness and oneor more edges. In some cases the work surface is horizontal andsubstantially parallel to a floor. In certain embodiments, however, thepositioning apparatus 100 may be configured to be attached to aninclined or slightly inclined work surface. The positioning apparatus100 provides one or more ranges of travel (e.g., the vertical range oftravel 108) for moving various items, including computer monitors andkeyboards, relative to the work surface 118. Accordingly, thepositioning apparatus 100 can allow an operator to adjust the positionof equipment relative to the work surface 118. Mounting the positioningapparatus 100 to such a work surface can thus convert or transform anormally single-position (e.g., stationary or fixed-height) work surfaceinto a multi-position workstation.

One example of a contemplated use includes transforming a traditional,stationary computer workstation into a multi-position (e.g.,multi-height) computer workstation. In many traditional settings,computer workstations generally include a monitor and keyboard simplyresting on an existing work surface such as a desk or table. While thepositions of the monitor and the keyboard in such settings may sometimesbe adjusted by small amounts relative to the work surface, computeroperators are generally limited to a single working position by theheight of the existing work surface. For example, a traditional desk mayonly accommodate sitting positions. According to some embodiments of theinvention, the positioning apparatus 100 can transform such atraditional, fixed height computer workstation into a multi-position(e.g., multi-height) computer workstation, allowing an operator toadjust the height of the workstation to accommodate multiple workingpositions, including a sitting position and a standing position.

Returning to FIGS. 1, 2A-2B, and 3 , according to some embodiments, thebase 102 of the positioning apparatus 100 is configured to sit on ahorizontal or generally horizontal work surface. In some cases the base102 may also be configured to sit on a somewhat angled or inclined worksurface. In some cases the base and positioning apparatus may beconfigured to simply sit/rest upon the work surface without beingattached to the work surface. In certain embodiments, though, the base102 and positioning apparatus 100 are configured to attach to a worksurface. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in some embodiments the base 102includes a clamp 120 for removably attaching the positioning apparatus100 about an edge of the work surface 118. In some embodiments the base102 may also or instead be fixedly attached to the work surface 118 witha more permanent type of fastener such as an adhesive and/or ascrew/bolt and mounting hole.

Attaching the positioning apparatus 100 to a work surface can increasethe functionality of the positioning apparatus and may optionallyprovide a positioning apparatus with one or more advantages over anapparatus that merely rests upon a work surface without being attached.For example, an attached positioning apparatus may have increasedstability and be less prone to tipping than an unattached positioningapparatus. The increased stability may in some cases enable certain baseconfigurations and/or ranges of motion for a positioning apparatus thatwould otherwise lead to undesirable instability, up to the point of notbeing able to include certain desirable features and/or configurationsin an unattached positioning apparatus. For example, in some casesincreased stability from attachment can enable use of a base with areduced or limited footprint, which saves material and cost, frees moreof a work surface for other uses, and can provide a more aestheticallypleasing configuration than large base configurations. In some casesattachment to a work surface enables a positioning apparatus to be movedthrough a greater vertical range of travel than an unattachedpositioning apparatus. The increased stability from attachment may alsoenable horizontal translating, panning, rotating, pivoting, and otherkinds of movement for a positioning apparatus that might not beavailable for an unattached positioning apparatus.

The mounting portion 106 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2A-2B, and 3 includes aframe to which the electronic display mount 110 and the keyboard tray112 are attached. The frame may be formed in a variety of shapes.According to a preferred embodiment, the frame is configured to supportthe display mount 110 and the keyboard tray 112 in a spacedrelationship, with the keyboard tray 112 set apart from the displaymount 110 in order to allow an operator to comfortably use a keyboard onthe tray while viewing a display attached to the mount 110. For example,the keyboard tray 112 may be attached to the frame at a generally lowerand more forward position (closer to the operator) than the displaymount 110. In the example shown in FIGS. 1, 2A-2B, and 3 , the mountingportion 106 includes a generally vertically extending first portion 111to which the display mount 110 is attached, a second portion 113extending generally horizontally out from the bottom of the verticalportion 111, and a third portion 115 generally extending down from theend of the second portion 113 opposite the first portion 111. Thekeyboard tray 112 is coupled to the mounting portion 106 at the end ofthe third portion 115 opposite the second portion 113, in this case viaa short generally horizontal fourth portion 117 of the mounting portion106.

According to some embodiments, the display mount 110 may be attached tothe mounting portion 106 in an adjustable manner. In some embodiments,the mounting portion 106 includes an optional secondary lift mechanism122 as part of the first portion 111 to which the display mount 110 isattached. The secondary lift mechanism 122 provides a different,adjustable range of travel that allows the display mount 110 (and anattached electronic display) to be moved vertically relative to thekeyboard tray 112, which can be useful for providing monitor/keyboardarrangements for differently sized operators. According to someembodiments, the display mount 110 attachment may include a tilt and/orrotation mechanism that allows an attached display to be tilted and/orrotated in a variety of directions.

In certain embodiments, the second, third, and fourth portions of themounting portion 106 are configured with a relatively reduced profile,which can assist in limiting the visual impact of the positioningapparatus 100 and/or increasing the amount of unoccupied space about thepositioning apparatus 100. For example, in some cases one or more ofthese portions of the mounting portion may have a thickness similar to athickness of the base 102 (e.g., the thickness of the elongated portion132 described below). In certain embodiments, the second portion 113,third portion 115, and fourth portion 117 have a thickness of about 1inch or less. In addition, in some cases the width of the mountingportion 106 may be relatively narrow compared to the length of thesecond portion 113, the length of the base 102, and/or the length of theelongated portion 132 of the base. Referring to FIG. 1 , in someembodiments the mounting portion 106 has a width that is about the sameas the width of the support column 104 and the width of the elongatedportion of the base 102. In some cases the width is about 5 inches orless. In some embodiments one or more of the portions 111, 113, 115, and117 of the mounting portion 106 are generally parallel with theelongated portion 132 of the base and/or the support column 104.

Referring to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments the second, third and fourthportions of the mounting portion are formed from two spaced,substantially parallel legs 121, 123 (comprising, e.g., a metal, metalalloy, plastic, etc.) that extend from the bottom end of the firstportion 111 of the mounting portion 106 to the keyboard tray 112.Forming the mounting portion in this way can further reduce the visualimpact of the positioning apparatus, allowing an operator to see thesurrounding environment (e.g., the work surface 118, a floor, a wall,etc.) between the legs 121, 123. In some embodiments an optional coverportion 125 may be attached between the legs making up the secondmounting portion 113. In certain cases the cover portion 125 hides thebase 102 from an operator's view when the mounting portion 106 is in itslowest position, thus providing an aesthetically pleasing look.

The base 102 of the positioning apparatus 100 can encompass anystructure that adequately supports the support column 104 and themounting portion 106 upon a work surface. As shown in the figures, insome embodiments the base 102 includes a first end 131 and a second end133 with a length extending between the first and the second ends.According to some embodiments, portions of the base are formed with alow profile, thus minimizing any obstruction caused by the base andmaximizing the range of travel of the mounting portion 106. For example,in some embodiments a front elongated portion 132 of the base 102extending between the first end 131 of the base and the support column104 has a thickness of about 1 inch or less. In addition, the base 102can also include a housing portion 134 that houses some or all of theapparatus' lift mechanism 109. According to some embodiments, the base102 includes one or more stabilizing portions extending out from thehousing portion 134 and/or the front elongated portion 132 to assist inmaking the base 102 stable upon the work surface 118. in the exampleshown in FIGS. 1, 2A-2B, and 3 , the stabilizing portion includes legs130 that extend out from the housing portion 134 at the second end 133of the base. The legs 130 extend out at an angle toward the first end131 of the base, though it is contemplated that in some cases the legs130 could extend perpendicularly or at an angle away from the first end131 of the base.

In some cases the elongated section 132 of the base is generallyparallel to a plane defined by movement of the mounting portion 106through the vertical range of travel (e.g., the plane of cross-sectionin FIG. 3 ). In some cases the base may be configured to be attached tothe work surface at the first end 131 and/or second end 133 of the basein front of and/or behind the support column, respectively, from theperspective of an operator. Such a configuration can advantageouslyreduce the footprint of the base 102 upon the work surface, thus leavingmore room for other activities as well as reducing the visual impact ofthe positioning apparatus from, e.g., the operator's perspective.Returning to FIGS. 2A-2B and 3 , in some cases the base 102 includes aclamp 120 at the first end of the base that allows the base 102 to beattached about a front edge of the work surface 118. Although not shown,in some embodiments a clamp may be provided at the second (e.g., back)end of the base 102, allowing the base to be attached about a back edgeof a work surface. In addition, it is contemplated that the base may insome cases be configured to attach to one or more sides of a worksurface through, for example, clamps located at the side of the base. Inaddition, the elongated section 132 of the base may be oriented in adirection perpendicular or otherwise angled to the plane includingvertical movement of the mounting portion.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B, in some cases the elongated section 132of the base 102 is generally parallel to the second member 113 of themounting portion 106. In addition, in some cases the elongated section132 has a width approximately the same as a width of the second portion113 of the mounting portion frame directly above the base. The width ofthe elongated portion 132 of the base may also be about the same as thewidth of the support column 104. Such a configuration can advantageouslyreduce the footprint of the base 102 upon the work surface, thus leavingmore room for other activities as well as reducing the visual impact ofthe positioning apparatus. For example, in some embodiments the widthsof the elongated section 132 of the base, the first portion 111, secondportion 113, and/or third portion 115 of the mounting portion, and thesupport column 104 are equal to or less than about 5 inches. In somecases, the widths of the elongated section, the frame of the mountingportion, and the support column 104 are equal to or less than a width ofan electronic display mount (e.g., a VESA mount) attached to themounting portion.

According to some embodiments, the support column 104 comprises aseparate component that is attached to the base 102 using, e.g.,mounting brackets or other hardware. It is also contemplated that thesupport column 104 can be formed integrally with the base 102. Incertain embodiments the support column and the base 102 areattached/formed together at an angle other than 90 degrees (although insome embodiments the angle is 90 degrees). In the example shown in FIG.2B, the support column 104 extends upward from the base 102 at an obtuseangle 140 with respect to the base 102 (and the work surface 118positioned below the base). The obtuse angle 140 is useful forpositioning the center of gravity of the display and/or other equipmentcarried by the positioning apparatus at a desired position with respectto the base 102 to enhance stability. A range of angles may be useddepending upon the design and intended use for a particular embodiment.In some embodiments the obtuse angle 140 is equal to or less than about120 degrees. In some embodiments, the obtuse angle 140 is equal to orless than about 100 degrees. In some embodiments the support column 104and the base are formed at an acute angle (e.g., less than 90 degrees),which can allow movement of the mounting portion, display, and keyboardupward and toward an operator at the same time.

The support column 104 can be dimensioned to provide the positioningapparatus with a vertical range of travel 108 of any desired length,thus allowing the mounting portion 106 to be moved through a wide rangeof heights. As will be appreciated, in cases where the support column104 is positioned at an angle with respect to the base, the apparatusmay also provide an amount of horizontal movement as the mountingportion moves through the vertical range of travel 108. In oneembodiment, the vertical range of travel of a positioning apparatusattached to a work surface extends between a sitting height and astanding height, thus allowing an operator to use the workstation fromboth a sitting position and a standing position. For example, in certainembodiments the vertical range of travel is at least about 14 inches. Insome embodiments the vertical range of travel is between about 14 inchesand about 24 inches. The lift mechanism 109 in the positioning apparatusmay also provide multiple positions at intermediate heights between thelowest and highest extents of the range of travel 108, thusaccommodating other working positions and/or operators of differentheights. In some cases a discrete number of intermediate positions areprovided. In some cases the lift mechanism 109 provides an infinitenumber of intermediate positions within the vertical range of travel108.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the side cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 ,showing details of the keyboard tray 112 in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. According to some embodiments, the mountingportion 106 (in this example, the third portion 115 described above)extends downward to couple with the keyboard tray 112. As shown in FIGS.2A, 3, and 4 , within a range of lower positions of the mounting portion106 (e.g., including the lowest position in the vertical range of travel108), the third portion 115 of the mounting portion 106 extends down infront of the first end 131 of the base 102 and the work surface 118. Themounting portion 106 thus extends from above the work surface 118 tobelow the work surface 118 when the tray is in one of these downwardpositions. Such embodiments can also obscure the base from view. Thepositioning apparatus 100 thus enables positioning of the keyboard tray112 below the level of the work surface 118 when the mounting portion ispositioned at a lower height (e.g., the lowest height position withinthe range of travel). The positioning apparatus 100 also enablespositioning of the keyboard tray 112 level with the work surface 118.Conversely, the positioning apparatus 100 enables positioning of thekeyboard tray 112 above the level of the work surface 118 when themounting portion is positioned at a greater height (e.g., the highestposition within the range of travel).

Thus, the positioning apparatus enables positioning of the keyboard trayat or below the level of the work surface 118, even though the based 102of the positioning apparatus sits on the work surface 118. Suchadjustability can provide increased comfort for an operator bypositioning the keyboard tray 112 (and the keyboard supported on thetray) in a more ergonomic relationship to the position of an attachedelectronic display and/or an operator sitting in a chair. For example,positioning the keyboard tray 112 at or below the work surface 118 maymake it easier for an operator to maintain his or her elbows andforearms level with or slightly above a supported keyboard in a sittingposition, thus helping to reduce and/or avoid unnecessary strain on anoperator's wrists.

According to some embodiments the keyboard tray 112 is attached to themounting portion 106 with a tilt mechanism 400 that allows an operatorto adjust the tilt of the keyboard tray 112 relative to the base and thework surface. For example, in some cases the tilt mechanism 400 allowsthe keyboard to be oriented at an angle ranging from about −15 degreesto about +15 degrees with respect to the work surface 118. In someembodiments the mounting portion 106 also or alternatively includes afolding mechanism that allows the keyboard tray 112 to be folded closerto the base 102. The folding mechanism can thus allow an operator toreduce the overall size of the positioning apparatus by folding thekeyboard tray away from the operator and toward the support column 104when not in use. In some embodiments the tilt mechanism includes a hingewith a generally horizontal axis. Such a hinge may be provided with afriction mechanism.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show enlarged cross-sectional views of the liftmechanism 109 that movably couples the mounting portion 106 to thesupport column 104. In some embodiments the lift mechanism 109 includesone or more rails 500 attached to the support column 104 and a truck 502(e.g., movable bracket) having wheels or sliders that engage the rails.In some cases the lift mechanism 109 is located partially within thesupport column 104 and partially within the base 102 (e.g., within thehousing portion 134). The lift mechanism 109 may also be located whollywithin the support column 104, attached to an external surface of thesupport column 104, or otherwise mounted in a useful manner.

According to some embodiments, the lift mechanism 109 can provide anoperator with a degree of assistance to move the mounting portion 106through the range of travel 108. For example, in some embodiments anenergy storage member 504 such as an extension spring provides a biasingforce that aids an operator in adjusting the height of the mountingportion 106. In some cases an extension spring member is adjustablymounted within the support column 104 using a retainer plug 506 and aweight adjustment screw 508 which can be turned to tighten and loosenthe spring. The lift mechanism 109 may provide a discrete number ofheight positions along the vertical range of travel, or in some casesmay provide an infinite number of height positions along a continuousvertical range of adjustability.

According to some embodiments, the lift mechanism 109 includes a balancemechanism 510 incorporating the energy storage member 504 that cancounterbalance some or all of the weight of an electronic display and/orother equipment supported by the mounting portion 106. As just oneexample, the lift mechanism 109 can incorporate a cam (e.g., a rotarycam) 512 that is coupled to the energy storage member 504 and the truck502 with one or more flexible tension members (e.g., a line, cable,rope, chain, etc., not shown). One example of such a balance mechanismis described in presently co-owned US Patent Application Publication US2006/0185563 A1, which application was filed Sep. 28, 2005, the entirecontents of which is incorporated by reference herein. In someembodiments the lift mechanism 109 includes a balance mechanism having adual cam as described below with reference to FIGS. 24-36 .

While a few examples of possible configurations for a lift mechanism aredescribed herein, it should be appreciated that a wide variety of liftmechanisms can be used to movably couple the mounting portion 106 withthe support column 104 to provide the vertical range of travel 108 andthat the scope of the invention is not limited to a particular liftconfiguration. For example, in some cases a lift mechanism includes atelescoping support column. In some cases the lift mechanism includes arotary cam coupled with an energy storage member such as an extensionspring, a compression spring, a torsion spring, or a spiral spring. Insome cases the lift mechanism includes a constant force spring and/or agas spring. According to some embodiments, the lift mechanism may beprovided according to embodiments described in one or more of presentlyco-owned US Patent Application Publication US 2008/0026892 A1, filedJul. 26, 2007; US Patent Application Publication US 2007/0259554 A1,filed May 4, 2007; U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,422, filed Aug. 20, 2003; U.S.Pat. No. 7,506,853, filed Nov. 3, 2004; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,994,306,filed Nov. 28, 2000. The entire disclosure of each of theabove-mentioned patents and patent applications is hereby incorporatedby reference herein.

FIG. 7 includes an enlarged cross-sectional view of the secondary liftmechanism 122 first shown in FIG. 3 . According to some embodiments thesecondary lift mechanism 122 provides an adjustable range of travel 700that allows the display mount 110 (and an attached electronic display)to be moved vertically relative to the keyboard tray (not shown). Forexample, the lift mechanism 122 may in some cases provide from about 3inches to about 8 inches of additional vertical adjustability. The liftmechanism 122 can comprise any suitable design, including any of theexamples described immediately above with respect to the lift mechanism109. For example, the secondary lift mechanism 122 may include a balancemechanism that can counterbalance some or all of the weight of theattached display through the range of travel. In some cases thesecondary lift mechanism 122 includes a truck 702 movably coupled withone or more rails providing a second range of vertical travel for theelectronic display relative to the keyboard tray. An energy storagemember 704 such as an extension spring can provide a biasing force thataids an operator in adjusting the height of the display mount 110. Insome cases the tension of the energy storage member 704 can be adjustedwith the use of a weight adjustment screw or bolt 706. In addition, thesecondary lift mechanism 122 can be coupled with the mounting portion106 in any suitable manner, such as being attached to an externalsurface of a frame of the mounting portion, or located within orpartially within a columnar portion (e.g., the first portion 111) of themounting portion 106.

According to some embodiments, the display mount 110 is attached to themounting portion 106 in one or more other adjustable manners. Accordingto some embodiments, the display mount 110 attachment includes a tiltmechanism 710 and rotation mechanism 712 that allows an attached displayto be tilted and/or rotated in a variety of directions with respect tothe positioning apparatus. In some embodiments the tilt mechanism mayinclude a counterbalanced spring system (e.g., a torsion springmechanism), a gravity tilt mechanism, a friction tilt mechanism, or aball and socket mechanism, among other possibilities. U.S. Pat. No.6,997,422, filed Aug. 20, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 7,252,277, filed Jan. 17,2004; and US Patent Application Publication US 2006/0185563 A1, filedSep. 28, 2005, provide examples of possible tilt and rotationmechanisms, the entire disclosure of each of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

Another example of a positioning apparatus 800 according to oneembodiment of the invention will now be described with reference toFIGS. 8A-9B. FIGS. 8A and 8B show the positioning apparatus 800 in alowered position and a raised position, respectively, from a frontperspective. According to some embodiments of the invention, thepositioning apparatus 800 is useful in applications in which a singleoperator may wish to both sit and stand while using the same monitorand/or notebook. For convenience, the positioning apparatus 800 can bedescribed for such uses as a “sit-stand” positioning apparatus. Suchsit-stand apparatuses can be useful in situations in which operatorsdesire to perform operations in various postures, which may be requiredor desired to be performed at the same workstation. For example, one maydesire to perform some operations in a seated position and otheroperations in a standing position. Certain embodiments of the inventionprovide a unique sit-stand positioning apparatus that is compatible withan existing, independent work surface (e.g., a desk top, table top,counter top, etc.) to form a sit-stand workstation. The positioningapparatus allows an operator to use the workstation at multiple heightsif desired without the need for separate work surfaces at multipleheights. Accordingly, an operator does not need to move to a differentworkstation, but can adjust the height of the sit-stand workstation andcontinue using the existing workstation at the new height. Further, someembodiments of the invention allow for relatively large ranges of travelwhile occupying a smaller footprint on a work surface where space isvaluable, as discussed above.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are rear perspective views of the positioning apparatus800 in a lowered position and a raised position, respectively, withoutsupported display and notebook. Referring to FIGS. 8A-9B, thepositioning apparatus 800 supports an electronic display in the form ofa computer monitor 802, in addition to a notebook computer 804 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. The positioningapparatus 800 includes a base 810 and a generally vertical supportcolumn 812 connected to the base 810. A movable mounting portion 850 ismovably coupled to the support column 812 and attaches the monitor 802and notebook 804 to the apparatus. In some cases the mounting portion850 may also movably couple a keyboard tray 855 and a mouse tray 857 tothe support column 812.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the apparatus 800 includes a crossbar 860attached to the mounting portion 850 for mounting various equipment. Forexample, in some cases a monitor mount 862 (e.g., a standard VESAconnector), a notebook tray 864, and/or other equipment mounts areattached to the crossbar 860, allowing the mounting portion 850 tosupport and move the monitor, notebook, and/or other equipment. Itshould be appreciated, however, that a wide variety of equipment can bemoved by the mounting portion 850 and that the scope of the invention isnot limited in this manner. For example, the mounting portion 850 couldbe configured to support and move a combination of one or more monitorsand/or notebooks or other equipment. In some embodiments the mountingportion 850 is configured to support and move a combination of monitorsand notebooks (e.g., two monitors and a notebook, three monitors and anotebook). In some embodiments the mounting portion 850 is configured tosupport and move multiple monitors, such as sets of two, three, or fouror more monitors. (See FIGS. 17A-17D for some examples of mountingoptions.)

As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B, the positioning apparatus 800 canprovide a wide range of travel for the attached monitor and notebook.According to some embodiments, the height of the equipment (and mountingportion 850) can be set to any one of an infinite number of heightswithin the range of travel. FIGS. 8A and 9A illustrate the positioningapparatus 800 in a low position (e.g., for sitting), while FIGS. 8B and9B illustrate the positioning apparatus 800 in a high position (e.g.,for standing). To provide such adjustability for the monitor 802 and thenotebook 804, the positioning apparatus 800 may in some cases include alift mechanism similar in respects to the lift mechanism 109 describedabove with reference to FIGS. 1-6 , or the lift mechanism 3116 describedbelow with reference to FIGS. 24-36 . FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate thelift mechanism 3116 incorporated into positioning apparatus 800. As canbe seen, the wheel 3120, as well as first and second cams 3124, 3126,and pulley system 3130 (not shown) are positioned within the base 810.The energy storage member 3144, in this case an extension spring, ispositioned within the support column 812 and coupled between the supportcolumn 812 and the remaining portion of the lift mechanism.

According to some embodiments, the mounting portion 850 can itselfprovide some degree of adjustability between attached components. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B, in some cases a secondlift mechanism is incorporated within or attached to the mountingportion 850 as described above with respect to FIG. 7 . This canadvantageously allow, for example, the crossbar 860 and monitor 802 andthe notebook 804 to be height adjusted with respect to the keyboard tray855 to accommodate different operators.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the support column 812 isconnected to the base 810 at an angle, which is useful for positioningthe center of gravity of the monitor 802 and notebook 804 at a desiredlocation with respect to the base 810 to enhance stability. According tosome embodiments, the positioning apparatus 800 is advantageouslyconfigured to be used with an existing horizontal work surface 816, suchas a desk or table. For example, base 810 may include multiplestabilizing legs 870 that hold the apparatus 800 upright on the worksurface 816. In some cases the base 810 includes a clamp 814 useful forattaching or securing the positioning apparatus 800 to the horizontalwork surface 816.

As discussed above, a positioning apparatus can include a baseencompassing any structure that adequately supports the support columnand the mounting portion upon a work surface. With continuing referenceto FIGS. 8A-9B, according to some embodiments of the invention, the base810 includes a first end and a second end with an elongated sectionextending between the first and the second ends. According to someembodiments, portions of the elongated section are formed with a lowprofile, thus minimizing any obstruction caused by the base andmaximizing the range of travel of the mounting portion 850. In somecases the elongated section of the base 810 is generally parallel to themounting portion 850.

In addition, in some cases the elongated section has a widthapproximately the same as a width of the mounting portion frame directlyabove the base and the support column 812. Such a configuration canadvantageously reduce the footprint of the base 810 upon the worksurface, thus leaving more room for other activities as well as reducingthe visual impact of the positioning apparatus. For example, in someembodiments the widths of the elongated section of the base, the frameof the mounting portion, and the support column 812 are equal to or lessthan about 5 inches. In some cases, the widths of the elongated section,the frame of the mounting portion, and the support column 812 are equalto or less than a width of an electronic display mount (e.g., a VESAmount) attached to the mounting portion.

As discussed with reference to FIGS. 1-4 , in some embodiments the base102 of the positioning apparatus 100 can be removably attached to a worksurface with the use of a clamp 120. Many types of clamps can be used toremovably attach a positioning apparatus to a work surface according toembodiments of the invention. FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a screwclamp 1000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Accordingto some embodiments, the screw clamp 1000 provides a clamping mechanismhaving several advantages over traditional clamps, including providing alow profile clamp while still accommodating work surfaces having a widerange of thicknesses with the same clamp. FIGS. 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10Eare top, front, bottom, and side views of the screw clamp 1000,respectively. The screw clamp 1000 includes two clamping elements 1002,1004 (e.g., U-shaped bent wires) that include upper portions 1012, 1014and lower portions 1022, 1024 that fit about the edge of a work surface1030 and can be adjusted to clamp to the work surface 1030 by pressingtogether the bottom and top surfaces of the work surface 1030. The lowerportions 1022, 1024 of the clamping elements are coupled together in aspaced relationship (e.g., with a bracket 1032) such that the upperportions 1012, 1014 are able to pivot around the fixed lower portions toclamp about the edge of the work surface 1030. In some embodiments, thebracket 1032 is attached to or formed as part of the base of apositioning apparatus, thus allowing the clamp 1000 to attach thepositioning apparatus to the work surface 1030.

According to some embodiments, an adjustable screw 1040 is threadedlycoupled to the upper portions of the first and the second clampingelements. Turning the screw 1040 loosens and tightens the clamp 1000 bypulling and pushing the upper portions of the clamping elements togetherand apart. In some embodiments a threaded insert 1042 is rotatablycoupled to the upper portion of each clamping element through a slip fithole 1044. The insert 1042 includes a threaded hole 1046, orientedperpendicular to the slip fit hole, that receives an end of the screw1040. In some cases an adjustment nut 1050 is attached (e.g., welded ormachined) to the screw 1040 to facilitate rotation of the screw 1040.Turning the nut 1050 and the screw 1040 in a first direction moves theupper portions 1012, 1014 of the clamping elements apart to decrease thespace between the upper and lower portions of the clamping elements1002, 1004 and thus tighten the clamp 1000 about the edge of the worksurface 1030. Turning the nut 1050 and the screw 1040 in an opposite,second direction moves the upper portions 1012, 1014 of the clampingelements together to increase the space between the upper and lowerportions of the clamping elements 1002, 1004 and thus loosen the clamp1000 about the edge of the work surface 1030.

FIGS. 11A-11E are various views of another type of screw clamp 1100 thatcan be useful for removably coupling a positioning apparatus about theedge of a work surface according to some embodiments of the invention.The screw clamp 1100 includes two clamping elements 1102, 1104 (e.g.,U-shaped bent wires) that include upper portions 1112, 1114 and lowerportions 1122, 1124 that fit about the edge of a work surface 1130 andcan be adjusted to clamp to the work surface 1130. The upper portions1112, 1114 of the clamping elements are coupled together in a spacedrelationship (e.g., with a bracket 1132) such that the lower portions1122, 1124 are able to pivot around the fixed upper portions to clampabout the edge of the work surface 1130. In some embodiments, thebracket 1132 is attached to or formed as part of the base of apositioning apparatus, thus allowing the clamp 1100 to attach thepositioning apparatus to the work surface 1130.

According to some embodiments, an adjustable screw 1140 is threadedlycoupled to the lower portions of the first and the second clampingelements. Turning the screw 1140 loosens and tightens the clamp 1100 bypulling and pushing the lower portions of the clamping elements togetherand apart. In some embodiments a threaded insert 1142 is rotatablycoupled to the lower portion of each clamping element. The insert 1142includes a threaded hole 1146, oriented perpendicular to the lowerportion, that receives an end of the screw 1140. In some cases anadjustment nut 1150 is attached (e.g., welded or machined) to the screw1140 to facilitate rotation of the screw 1140. In addition, in somecases an extrusion 1160 is slidingly mounted to the threaded inserts1142 and provides a flat surface above the adjustable screw for engagingthe bottom of the work surface. For example, each threaded insert 1142may have a “T” shaped extension 1162 that fits within a slot 1164 of theextension 1160. Turning the nut 1150 and the screw 1140 in a firstdirection moves the lower portions 1122, 1124 of the clamping elementsapart to decrease the space between the upper and lower portions of theclamping elements 1102, 1104 and thus tighten the extrusion 1160 againstthe bottom of the work surface 1130. Turning the nut 1150 and the screw1140 in an opposite, second direction moves the lower portions 1122,1124 of the clamping elements together to increase the space between theupper and lower portions of the clamping elements 1102, 1104 and thusloosen the clamp 1100 about the edge of the work surface 1130.

In addition to providing a relatively low profile above the work surface1130, the screw clamp 1100 shown in FIGS. 11A-11E also occupies aminimum area at the side of the work surface 1130 since the adjustablescrew 1140 and the extrusion 1160 are positioned below the work surface1130.

FIGS. 12-14 are various views of a c-clamp 1200 that can removablyattach a positioning apparatus about the edge of a work surfaceaccording to some embodiments of the invention. The c-clamp 1200includes an upper bracket 1202 coupled to a lower bracket 1204. Incertain embodiments the upper and lower brackets each have two legsformed at a right angle, which allows the brackets to clamp about theedge of a work surface 1230 by pressing on the top surface 1232 and thebottom surfaces 1234 of the work surface 1230. In addition, the lowerbracket 1204 (or alternatively the upper bracket) may include mountingslots 1210 that provide an adjustable sliding engagement with the upperbracket such that the clamp 1200 can be adjusted to attach to worksurfaces of different thicknesses. For example, screws/bolts 1212 can beinserted into the slots and paired with nuts to tighten together theupper and lower brackets. In some embodiments, upper leg 1202 can beformed as part of the base of a positioning apparatus. In suchembodiments, the base extends forward and bends downward at the edge ofthe work surface to form the upper leg 1202.

In certain embodiments, the lower bracket 1204 can be coupled with theupper bracket 1202 in more than one configuration in order toaccommodate work surfaces with a greater range of thicknesses. Referringto FIG. 12 , in some embodiments the lower bracket 1204 includes a firstleg 1220 and a second leg 1222, and the length of the first leg 1220 islonger than the length of the second leg 1222. Turning to FIG. 13A, theshort second leg 1222 can be coupled with the upper bracket in somecases to clamp about work surfaces having a relatively small thickness.In certain cases the long first leg 1220 can be coupled with the upperbracket as shown in FIG. 13B in order to clamp about work surfaceshaving a greater thickness. Accordingly, the c-clamp 1200 can beadjusted to attach a positioning apparatus to a wide variety ofpre-existing work surfaces.

Turning to FIG. 14 , in some embodiments an adjustable pressuremechanism 1250 can further enhance the operation of the C-clamp 1200 byproviding a tighter clamp about an edge of the work surface 1230. Forexample, in some cases each of the first and the second legs of thelower bracket 1204 is configured to threadedly receive a threaded rod1260 of a screw knob 1262. The screw knob also includes a washer 1264 orother engaging member that presses into the bottom surface 1234 of thework surface 1230 as the screw knob 1262 is turned. According to thisembodiment, it is possible to use the same C-clamp 1200 on a wide rangeof work surface thicknesses without using a screw knob having anextremely long threaded rod. Instead a screw knob having a shorterthreaded rod can be used with additional adjustability provided by thevarious configurations of the upper and lower brackets 1202, 1204 andthe adjustable coupling between the brackets. Accordingly, someembodiments provide a small profile clamp 1200 in which the screw knob1262 sticks out a smaller amount when the clamp is mounted on a thinnerdesk surface.

FIG. 15 is a side view of another clamp 1500 that can removably attach apositioning apparatus about the edge of a work surface 1502 according tosome embodiments of the invention. The clamp 1500 includes a c-shapedbracket 1504 having an upper leg 1506 positioned on a top surface 1508of the work surface, a middle leg 1510 abutting an edge 1511 of the worksurface, and a lower leg 1512 positioned under a bottom surface 1514 ofthe work surface. In some embodiments, upper leg 1506 can be attached toor formed as part of the base of a positioning apparatus. The lower leg1512 includes an inclined upper face 1516 that angles toward the upperleg 1506 at it extends toward the middle leg 1510. The clamp 1500 alsoincludes a wedge 1520 adjacent the upper face 1516 of the lower leg1512. The wedge 1520 is between the lower leg of the c-shaped bracket1504 and the bottom surface 1514 of the work surface 1502. The c-shapedbracket 1504 and wedge 1520 can be formed from any material exhibitingsuitable strength characteristics (e.g., a metal, metal alloy, plastic,etc.).

In certain embodiments the wedge includes a threaded nut (not shown)that threadingly engages a screw 1522 extending through the c-shapedbracket 1504 (e.g., through the middle leg 1510). Turning the screw 1522in a first direction pulls the wedge along the inclined upper face 1516toward the middle leg 1510. This movement applies an increasing amountof pressure between the lower leg 1512 and the bottom surface 1514 ofthe work surface to clamp the c-shaped bracket 1504 about the edge ofthe work surface. Turning the screw 1522 in a second direction pushesthe wedge back along the inclined face 1516 away from the middle leg1510, thus decreasing the pressure and allowing removal of the bracket1504 from about the edge of the work surface 1502. Movement of the wedge1520 thus allows the clamp 1500 to be removably attached about the edgeof the work surface 1502. The movement of the wedge 1520 advantageouslyoccurs within the c-shaped bracket 1504, thus providing the clamp 1500with a mostly smooth (e.g., except for the head 1524 of the screw 1522)and unobtrusive exterior profile.

As discussed with reference to FIGS. 1-4 , in some embodiments the base102 of the positioning apparatus 100 can be fixedly attached to a worksurface with the use of a fastener such as an adhesive and/or ascrew/bolt and mounting hole. FIG. 16 illustrates one example in whichan attachment plate 1600 is used with a screw or bolt 1602 to attach apositioning apparatus 1604 to a work surface 1606 in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. In this case the work surface 1606 includesa through hole (not shown) that may be preformed, or drilled or cut outduring the attachment process. The base of the positioning apparatusincludes a threaded nut (not shown) that threadingly engages the screwor bolt 1602 inserted through the through hole. Tightening thescrew/bolt 1602 thus fixedly attaches the positioning apparatus 1604 tothe work surface 1606. In some embodiments the work surface 1606 mayinclude multiple through holes and the base of the positioning apparatusmay include multiple threaded nuts that allow multiple screws/bolts tofix the positioning apparatus to the work surface. In certainembodiments the attachment plate 1600 is optionally used to increase therigidity/stability of the attachment and/or allow for the use of lessscrews/bolts by spreading the compressive force of each screw/boltacross a wider area of the bottom surface of the work surface 1606. Insome cases a single screw/bolt may be combined with the attachment plate1600 to adequately secure the positioning apparatus to the work surface.

Returning to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 3 , the positioning apparatus 100 isconfigured to support and move a single electronic display, a keyboard,and a mouse relative to a work surface that supports the positioningapparatus 100. As discussed above, this is just one of many possibleequipment configurations. Other combinations of mounts for displays,keyboards, pointing devices, and other equipment, as well as othercombinations of accessories and optional features are also contemplated,some of which will now be discussed.

Turning to FIG. 16 , in some cases most of a positioning apparatus(e.g., other than a portion of the base) may have the ability to swivelor rotate with respect to a work surface. FIG. 16 also illustrates anoptional turntable 1610 that may be attached to or included as part ofthe base of the positioning apparatus 1604. The turntable 1610 allowsthe positioning apparatus to be rotated/swiveled about the axis of theturntable, thus enabling an operator to use the positioning apparatusfrom multiple sides of the work surface 1606. Use of the turntable 1610may thus provide enhanced functionality that can be useful for roundtables or tables of any shape.

Turning to FIGS. 17A-17D, perspective views are shown of positioningapparatuses with various mounting options. Although some preferredembodiments of the invention are configured to support an electronicdisplay and a keyboard, some positioning apparatuses can be configuredwith a number of optional and/or alternative mounts and supports forattaching and otherwise supporting other items. For example, in somecases the mounting portion of a positioning apparatus can include atleast one of an electronic display mount, a notebook mount, a keyboardtray, a mouse tray, a document holder, a movable work surface, and atelephone holder. In some cases a positioning apparatus includesmultiple display mounts for supporting two or more electronic displayssuch as computer monitors. A positioning apparatus may also optionallyinclude a notebook tray and/or a notebook docking station instead of orin addition to other mounts and supports.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrates an example of a positioning apparatus 100 thatincludes a mounting portion 106 that has a single display mount 110 anda keyboard tray 112. The mounting portion 106 also supports a mouse tray119 that is attached to the keyboard tray 112. As shown in FIGS. 17A and17B, a cross bar can also be attached to a mounting portion forattaching two or more items. FIG. 17A illustrates an example of apositioning apparatus 1700 that includes a mounting portion 1702 thathas dual display mounts 1704 mounted to a cross bar 1706. The apparatus1700 also includes a keyboard tray 1708 and a mouse tray 1710. FIG. 17Billustrates an example of a positioning apparatus 1720 that includes amounting portion 1722 that has a single display mount 1724 and anotebook tray 1726 mounted to a cross bar 1728. The apparatus 1720 alsoincludes a keyboard tray 1727 and a mouse tray 1729. As shown in FIGS.17A and 17B, items can be mounted to a cross bar through variousconfigurations, including a center mount (FIG. 17A) and/or a mount abovethe cross bar (FIG. 17B). Items can additionally or alternatively bemounted below the cross bar. FIG. 17C illustrates a positioningapparatus 1730 similar to the apparatus 1700 shown in FIG. 17A, but alsoincluding an additional support surface 1732 attached to the keyboardtray 1734 and mouse tray 1736. The support surface 1732 can be usefulfor supporting any number of items, including documents, writingutensils, computer components (e.g., speakers, memory devices, etc.), orany other item that an. operator may wish to keep close at hand. In somecases the support surface 1732 may be coupled to the keyboard/mouse trayin a movable manner, thus allowing repositioning of the support surface(e.g., horizontally and/or vertically). FIG. 17D illustrates apositioning apparatus 1740 similar to the apparatus 1720 shown in FIG.17B. The apparatus 1740 also includes a document holder 1742 that isattached to the mounting portion of the apparatus.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show two additional embodiments of the invention thatinclude a movable work surface attached to a positioning apparatus. FIG.18 is a schematic illustration of a positioning apparatus 1800 thatincludes a base 1802 attached to a work surface 1804 at a front end ofthe base. A support column 1806 is movably coupled to a mounting portion(not shown separately) that supports a display 1808 attached to adisplay mount. The mounting portion also includes a movable work surface1810. The work surface 1810 functions as a keyboard tray, but alsoprovides a work area that can be useful to, e.g., read or mark up paperdocuments, support various items, etc. As discussed above, theattachment between the positioning apparatus (e.g., either removablywith a clamp, or fixedly with an adhesive or other fastener) mayadvantageously provide the apparatus 1800 with an increased degree ofstability and/or allow for a base 1802 with a reduced footprint.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another positioning apparatus 1900 thatincludes a movable work surface 1902 attached to the mounting portion ofthe positioning apparatus. For example, in some cases the work surfacecan be clamped or fixedly attached (e.g., with screws/bolts) to thegenerally horizontal second member 113 of the mounting portion 106 shownin FIGS. 1-4 . The movable work surface 1902 thus moves simultaneouslywith the mounting portion and the keyboard tray 1904 and mouse tray1906, but is separate from the keyboard tray 1904 and mouse tray 1906.In some cases a display mount supporting a display 1908 may beadjustably separately from the work surface 1902 (e.g., as describedabove with respect to the secondary lift mechanism 122 in FIGS. 1-6 ).In some embodiments the positioning apparatus 1900 includes a clamp 1910for removably attaching the apparatus to an existing work surface 1912,which can provide an added amount of stability versus simply restingupon the work surface 1912.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are schematic representations of front perspectiveviews of a positioning apparatus 2000 in a raised position and a loweredposition, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. The apparatus includes a base 2002 attached to a work surface2004 at a front end of the base. A support column 2006 is movablycoupled to a mounting portion (not shown separately) that supports adisplay 2008 attached to a display mount. The mounting portion includesa keyboard arm 2010 and a coupled keyboard tray 2012. The mountingportion (again, not separately shown) is configured so that as themounting portion moves up and down relative to the support column 2006,the keyboard tray 2012 and display 2008 move up and down through agenerally vertical range of travel 2014. As shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B,the vertical range of travel of the keyboard tray 2012 is entirely abovethe work surface 2004 in this embodiment. The apparatus 2000 thusprovides a multi-position workstation that allows the keyboard tray 2012and the display 2008 to be moved between two or more positions (e.g.,heights) above the work surface 2004. In some embodiments thepositioning apparatus 2000 also includes an attachment mechanism (e.g.,a clamp) for removably or fixedly attaching the apparatus to theexisting work surface 2004. The attachment mechanism can provide anadded amount of stability versus simply resting upon the work surface2004.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are schematic representations of front perspectiveviews of a positioning apparatus 2100 in a raised position and a loweredposition, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. The positioning apparatus 2100 is similar to the apparatus2000 illustrated in FIGS. 20A and 20B. In addition, the positioningapparatus 2100 includes an extendable keyboard arm 2110 that enables anoperator to pull the keyboard tray 2112 away from the support column2104 (toward the operator) or push it toward the support column 2104(away from the operator). The extendable keyboard arm 2110 can includeany suitable extending mechanism, including, for example, slides and/orrollers. In some cases the extendable keyboard arm 2110 may be able topan horizontally and/or move vertically relative to the positioningapparatus 2100.

FIGS. 22A-22C are front perspective views of a positioning apparatus2200 with swivel functionality in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. The swivel functionality can be provided in any suitablemanner, including with the use of a swivel mechanism or joint to attacha display mount and a display 2202 to the support column 2204. Theswiveling capability allows the display 2202 to be panned from side toside to adjust a viewing angle. In some embodiments the positioningapparatus 2200 is attached to the work surface 2206 (e.g., removablyand/or fixedly, as described above), thus enabling panning of thedisplay 2202 without a reduced risk of tipping of the apparatus.

FIGS. 23A-C are elevation views of crossbars in accordance withembodiments of the invention. As discussed elsewhere herein, someembodiments of the invention provide a positioning apparatus with one ormore crossbars for mounting multiple pieces of equipment to a supportcolumn (e.g., a “riser”). Some examples of a crossbar are discussed, forexample, with respect to FIGS. 17A-17D, FIG. 23A is an elevation view ofanother crossbar 2300 according to an embodiment of the invention. Thecrossbar 2300 is generally configured as an elongated arm with a supportcolumn mounting portion 2302, in this case positioned centrally alongthe crossbar 2300. One or more displays or other types of equipment maybe mounted directly to the crossbar 2300 or indirectly with a suitablecoupling mechanism.

FIGS. 23B and 23C are elevation views of another crossbar 2350 that canbe used to support one or more pieces of equipment upon a positioningapparatus. The crossbar 2350 is configured as an elongated arm assemblywith a support column mounting portion 2352 that includes four boltholes for mounting the crossbar 2350 to a support column. The armassembly includes a first stationary portion 2354 that remainsstationary with respect to the mounting portion 2352, and a movableportion 2356 that is coupled to the stationary position with a pin 2358.The movable portion 2356 rotates at one end about an axis 2360 locatedat the pin 2358. Thus a display or other piece of equipment mounted tothe movable portion 2356 of the arm assembly can be moved (i.e., panned)with respect to the stationary portion 2354 of the arm assembly. Themovable portion can be provided on the left side or the right side ofthe support column.

Embodiments of the invention also include methods for positioning anelectronic display and a keyboard. Referring to FIGS. 8A-9B, oneexemplary method involves selecting an existing generally horizontalwork surface 816 and providing a positioning apparatus such as thepositioning apparatus 800. In some cases the positioning apparatus has abase 810 configured to sit on the work surface 816, a support column 812extending upward from the base 810, and a mounting portion 850 movablycoupled to the support column 812 through a vertical range of travelrelative to the work surface 816. The method also includes attaching thepositioning apparatus 800 to the work surface 816 and supporting anelectronic display 802 and a keyboard with the mounting portion 850 ofthe apparatus. The method also includes moving the mounting portion 850between a sitting position (e.g., FIG. 8A) and a standing position(e.g., FIG. 8B) relative to the work surface 816.

According to some embodiments, positioning methods also include movingthe electronic display 802 simultaneously with the keyboard (e.g., onthe keyboard tray 855). In addition, one exemplary method also includesmoving the electronic display 802 with respect to the keyboard. Anoperator may also adjust an angle of the keyboard and/or the electronicdisplay relative to the work surface 816 by, e.g., manipulating anarticulating mount such as a tilt and/or rotation mechanism. In anotherembodiment, a positioning method includes attaching the positioningapparatus about one of a front edge, a back edge, and a side edge of thework surface 816.

In some embodiments, a method for positioning an electronic display anda keyboard includes attaching a positioning apparatus (e.g., one ofthose discussed herein) to a work surface, supporting the electronicdisplay with the mounting portion, supporting the keyboard with themounting portion, and moving the mounting portion through a verticalrange of travel to simultaneously move the electronic display and thekeyboard relative to the support column and the work surface. The methodmay also include rigidly attaching the base of the positioning apparatusto the work surface. For example, the base can be rigidly attached byinserting a fastener through the work surface. In some cases the methodincludes removably attaching the base of the positioning apparatus tothe work surface. In some cases removable attachment can be achieved byclamping the base to the work surface. Embodiments further includemoving the mounting portion within the vertical range of travel so thatthe keyboard moves from below the work surface to above the worksurface. In some cases the mounting portion can also or instead be movedwithin the vertical range of travel so that the keyboard and theelectronic display move between a sitting position and a standingposition relative to the work surface. According to some embodiments, anexemplary method further includes moving the mounting portion so thatthe electronic display moves independently from the keyboard. In somecases an angle of the keyboard can also be adjusted with respect to thework surface.

As will be appreciated, multi-position workstations (one example being asit-stand positioning apparatus) may be subjected to more frequentadjustment (e.g., several times in a work day) than more traditional,stationary monitor mounts. Some embodiments of the invention provide alift mechanism that can increase the cycle life of the apparatus as itencounters increased articulation. An example of one such lift mechanismincluding a multi-cam balance mechanism is discussed in co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/191,182, titled Cam Balance Systems andMethods, and filed concurrently herewith. The entire content of theapplication is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.Of course, many other types of lift mechanisms can be used as notedabove. Referring now to FIGS. 24-36 , an exemplary embodiment includinga lift/balance mechanism 3116 incorporating a dual surface cam isdescribed.

FIG. 24 is an elevation view of an apparatus 3100 in accordance with anexemplary embodiment. Apparatus 3100 of FIG. 24 comprises a base 3102and a generally vertical support column 3106 connected to the base 3102,similar to embodiments described above with respect to FIGS. 1-22C. Thebase may include any structure for supporting the apparatus. In someembodiments, the base may include a relatively flat horizontal surfaceuseful for placement on a horizontal work surface. In other embodiments,the base includes a clamp to clamp the apparatus to a horizontal surfaceor a wall bracket to attach the apparatus to a vertical wall. Thesupport can be connected to the base by any suitable method. In someembodiments, the support is pivotably connected to the base such thatthe support can pivot with respect to the base. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 24 , the support is connected to the base at an angle. The angleis useful for positioning the center of gravity of the monitor or otherequipment carried by the support at a desired position with respect tothe base to enhance stability.

Portions of a balance mechanism 3116 can also be seen in FIG. 24 . Aswill be described in more detail herein, the portions of the balancemechanism shown in FIG. 24 include a wheel 3120, a first cam 3124 and asecond cam 3126, and a pulley system 3130.

FIG. 25 is a partially exploded version of FIG. 24 . In FIG. 25 , it canbe seen that the generally vertical support column 3106 includes a firstportion 3136 and a second portion 3140. As shown in FIG. 27 , once fullyassembled, a mounting portion 3150 (e.g., sometimes referred to as a“truck”) is coupled to the second portion 3140. Mounting portion 3150and second portion 3140 are disposed in sliding engagement with oneanother such that the mounting portion can translate with respect tosecond portion 3140. For example, second portion 3140 may include rails3141 and the mounting portion 3150 may include wheels that roll alongthe rails. In general, first portion 3136 and second portion 3140 areconnected to base 3102, and the mounting portion 3150 is connected toone or more monitors and/or other computing equipment that translatealong with the mounting portion 3150 with respect to first and secondportions 3136, 3140. For example, the mounting portion 3150 may becoupled to or integrally include a mounting portion as discussed abovewith respect to FIGS. 1-6 . As shown in FIG. 25 , an energy storagemember 3144 is coupled to second portion 3140. The energy storage member3144 may include any device useful for storing potential energy, such asa spring (e.g., an extension spring, compression spring, torsion spring,etc.). The energy storage member may be adjustable by an energy storagemember adjustment mechanism 3146 (e.g., a threaded bolt with a bracketthat changes the effective at rest length of the energy storage memberwhen actuated).

The balance mechanism 3116 provides a balancing force between the firstand second portions of the support column and the mounting portion 3150,such that an operator can position equipment attached to the mountingportion at any desired height along the range of travel having only toovercome the friction of the system. Further, because of the balancingforce provided by the balance mechanism, the mounting portion will holdits set position without the operator having to engage any locks.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 24 and 25 , the wheel 3120 is coupled tofirst cam 3124 and second cam 3126, which rotate along with rotation ofthe wheel. As shown, first cam 3124 and second cam 3126 can be providedas a single integral cam member. In addition, the wheel and cam membermay be provided as different pieces connected directly together throughaxle 3121. In other embodiments, they may be integrally formed orseparated by a distance when installed. In some embodiments the firstand the second cams 3124, 3126 are formed using a die cast or moldedpolymer, such as ABS plastic or nylon. In certain embodiments the camscan be formed from machined aluminum. FIGS. 29A, 29B, and 30 provideperspective and side elevation views of a cam member including bothfirst and second cams 3124, 3126 in accordance with an embodiment. FIGS.31 and 32 provide perspective and side elevation views of wheel 3120 inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 26A and 26B provide other perspective views of the balancemechanism 3116, illustrating an arrangement of wheel 3120, first andsecond cams 3124, 3126, a pulley system 3130, and energy storage member3144 in accordance with an embodiment. In some embodiments, first andsecond cams 3124, 3126 are directly coupled to the energy storage member3144 via one or more flexible elements (sometimes referred to as atension or tensile member) that are routed around pulley system 3130.The flexible element can be a rope or cable and can include any materialuseful for transmitting force, such as a tensile polymer. Referring toFIG. 26B, in some cases first cam 3124 and second cam 3126 are coupledindirectly to the energy storage member 3144 via the pulley system 3130.FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate one embodiment of pulley system 3130, whichincludes cam pulleys 3164, 3168, and an energy storage member pulley3160 coupled to the cam pulleys. As shown, in some embodiments theenergy storage member pulley and the cam pulleys are provided in asingle piece construction.

In some cases each of the first and second cams 3124, 3126 are coupledto one of the cam pulleys 3164, 3168 with an independent, separateflexible element, while energy storage member pulley 3160 is coupled tothe energy storage member 3144 via a separate flexible element.Referring to FIG. 24 , in some cases the pulley system 3130 includes athrough hole 3131, through which a single flexible element 3132 can bethreaded and then coupled to the cams 3124, 3126, one at each end. Suchan arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 26B. As the cams rotate and pull(or loosen) flexible element 3132, the flexible element 3132 engageswith the cam pulleys, and is unwound from (or wound around,respectively) each of the cam pulleys.

According to a preferred embodiment, wheel 3120 is coupled to themounting portion 3150 of the support with another flexible element 3135such that wheel 3120 rotates with respect to the base 3102 as themounting portion 3150 moves with respect to the support. As shown inFIGS. 25 and 26B, an additional direction changing pulley 3134 candirect the flexible element 3135 between the wheel 3120 and the mountingportion 3150. Turning to FIG. 27 , the direction of flexible element3135 is again changed by upper pulley 3138 and flexible element 3135 iscoupled to the mounting portion 3150 using a hook 3139 or anothersimilar device known in the art.

FIG. 28 is a partial perspective view of a bottom portion of theapparatus 3100, depicting the balance mechanism 3116 according to someembodiments. As discussed above, energy storage member pulley 3160 iscoupled to the energy storage member 3144 via a separate flexibleelement 3161. In some cases the energy storage member 3144 includes ahook 3162 that allows for easily coupling the flexible element 3161 tomember 3144. Member 3144 is positioned within support column 3106 suchthat hook 3162 is generally aligned with the outer edge of pulley system3130, and specifically with energy storage member pulley 3160. In theexample shown, as energy storage member pulley 3160 rotates, it winds orunwinds the flexible element 3161, allowing energy storage member 3144to contract and extend. Accordingly, the force or weight of mountingportion 3150 of the support, as well as any equipment coupled thereto,can be offset and balanced by the energy storage member, through thetransmission and redirection of force through the flexible elements,pulleys, and cams to energy storage member 3144.

FIGS. 29A and 29B provide perspective views, and FIG. 29C is a side viewof a cam member 3200 incorporating first and second cams 3124, 3126according to some embodiments. As shown, first cam 3124 and second cam3126 can be incorporated into the single integral cam member 3200 insome cases, though this is not a requirement and the invention is notintended to be limited to this example. In some useful embodiments ofthe invention, the first and the second cams are cooperatively shapedand positioned to balance a force exerted on wheel 3120 by the mountingportion 3150 with forces exerted by the energy storage member 3144 onthe cams 3124, 3126. For example, the cams may be shaped and positionedso that a varying torque applied to the cams by flexible element 3132(via the varying linear force that the energy storage member exerts) isconverted to a substantially constant torque applied to wheel 3120. Thewheel 3120 then relays the constant torque to the flexible element 3135,creating a constant linear force for lifting the mounting portion 3150relative to the supp01t column 3106. The opposite effect takes place asthe mounting portion 3150 is lowered, with the balance mechanism 3116creating a substantially constant resistance against downward movementof the mounting portion.

Also in some useful embodiments, the effective radius of each cam membermay vary as a function of the displacement of an energy storage memberof the balance mechanism. In some cases the two cams 3124, 3126 aremirror images of each other, and have the same profile of radiusvariation as a function of rotation. As shown in FIG. 29B, the cams3124, 3126 each include a camming surface 3125, 3127 upon which theflexible elements wind. In some embodiments cams 3124, 3126 are eachdesigned to balance half of the weight of the mounting portion 3150 andany attached equipment, which can decrease stress and fatigue on theflexible elements and increase the life of the apparatus as will bediscussed further herein.

In use, when an operator desires to change the position of a monitor orother device supported by a positioning apparatus, the operator canapply a force to the monitor and/or notebook. Movement of the monitorcauses the mounting portion of the support, to which it is attached, toalso move relative to the support column of the apparatus. FIG. 35 is aperspective view of a portion of the balance mechanism 3116 in a statecorresponding to the low position of the mounting portion 3150, whileFIG. 36 is a perspective view of a portion of balance mechanism 3116 ina state corresponding to the high position of mounting portion 3150. Asis shown, the mounting portion 3150 is attached to the wheel 3120 viaflexible element 3135, so that movement of the monitor/notebook causesthe wheel 3120 to turn about its axis. The first and second cams 3124,3126, which are attached to the wheel 3120, also rotate and cause thecam pulleys 3164, 3168 and energy storage member pulley 3160 to rotateabout their respective axes (which in this case are the same axis).Rotation of the energy storage member pulley member 3160 pulls orloosens flexible element 3161, causing the energy storage member 3144 tocontract or allowing the member to expand in length. Since the shape ofthe cams 3124, 3126 are designed to accommodate a changing energystorage member force (e.g., based on spring length), the operator onlyneed apply a relatively constant force to overcome friction to move themonitor to any desired position, and the monitor will stay in thedesired position without having to lock it into that position.

Positioning apparatuses employing a multi-surface cam (e.g., dual cam)provide for surprising advantages over balance mechanisms that use asingle cam. For example, balance mechanisms using multiple cams are morerobust and reliable than single cam mechanisms. Applicants havesurprisingly found that embodiments using a dual cam can withstand asubstantially greater number of cycles of adjustment compared toanalogous single cam balance mechanisms. As just one example, Applicantshave surprisingly found that increasing the number of cams within thebalance mechanism by a factor of N can in some cases increase the loadlife of the mechanism by more than a factor of N. In some casesApplicants have found the load life to increase by a factor of 1.5N. Inone case, Applicants surprisingly found that utilizing a balancemechanism including a dual cam as described herein increased the cyclelife to 28,000 cycles from a cycle life of 10,000 cycles for a singlecam mechanism under substantially similar conditions. Such an improvedcycle life can increase the usefulness of practically any positioningapparatus, and provides an especially applicable and unexpectedimprovement for positioning apparatuses such as sit/stand positioningapparatuses that are subjected to a greater number of articulations thanstands that are not able to accommodate a single operator in bothsitting and standing postures.

Positioning apparatuses employing a multi-surface cam (e.g., dual cam)also allow for heavier loads to be translated over a larger distancewith a smaller cam housing size than analogous single cam balancemechanisms. This feature is particularly useful in positioningapparatuses that are designed to sit on top of a horizontal work surfaceand to accommodate an operator in both sitting and standing positions asthey allow for relatively large ranges of travel while occupying asmaller footprint on a work surface where space is valuable. As oneexample, a positioning apparatus according to one embodiment includes ahousing that accommodates a dual cam (e.g., first and second cams inFIGS. 35 and 25 ) that provides counterbalanced movement for anapproximately 90 lbs. load over a distance of about 20 inches. In somecases this housing has an approximate size of 180 mm×125 mm×95 mm. Incontrast, a housing for a single cam mechanism configured for asubstantially similar load and distance can require a housing that isapproximately 228 mm×203 mm×90 mm. Accordingly, such embodiments areuseful for work surface top stands where space conservation isimportant. Of course the housing size may be smaller or larger,depending upon the particular weight and distance requirements for aparticular apparatus. Some embodiments can be scaled to accommodateweights between about 3 Lbs. and about 250 lbs. or more, and ranges oftravel between about 2-3 inches up to 40 inches or more.

Without being bound by theory, Applicants believe that embodimentsincluding a multi-surface cam (e.g., dual cam) provide advantages oversingle cam balance mechanisms because dividing the force of the attachedequipment among two or more cams allows for a smaller force, and thusless stress, on each cam and associated flexible element, leading to anincreased useful product life. In addition, each individual cam can bemade smaller due to the smaller amount of load on each cam, while thefull load can be carried by a single flexible element that wraps aroundthe larger diameter of energy storage member pulley.

The following examples are presented to further illustrate embodimentsof the multi-surface cam (e.g., dual cam) described herein, and are notintended to limit the scope of the invention.

Example 1: Comparable Example of Cycle Failure

Testing was carried out on a number of single cam balance mechanismsusing an air cylinder with a 20″ stroke. The single cam balancemechanisms each included a molded cam and other manufactured componentsincluding an extension spring and rope made according to specificationto balance the desired weight over the desired range. The balancemechanisms were adjusted to a maximum weight to be balanced in order toapply the most stress to the rope. The air cylinder was connected to themoving component of the engine, and was cycled through its travel rangeat a rate of 6 cycles per minute. A targeted cycle life of 10,000 cyclesunder maximum loading was expected. In most cases, failure of the ropeoccurred at slightly more than 10,000 cycles but less than 12,500cycles.

Example 2: Cycle Failure of an Exemplary Dual Cam

Testing was carried out on a dual cam balance mechanism. Test set up,loading, cycle rate, rope material, weight range, and travel range wereall identical to those in the testing of single cam mechanisms describedin Example 1. Design differences included differences in cam design,spring design, and rope routing to accommodate the dual cam design. Inat least one test of this configuration, the mechanism exceeded 28,000cycles.

Thus, embodiments of the invention are disclosed. Although the presentinvention has been described in considerable detail with reference tocertain disclosed embodiments, the disclosed embodiments are presentedfor purposes of illustration and not limitation and other embodiments ofthe invention are possible. One skilled in the art will appreciate thatvarious changes, adaptations, and modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for positioning a portableelectronic device relative to a work surface, the apparatus comprising:a base; a clamp configured to attach the base to an edge of the worksurface; a support column extending upward from the base; a mountingportion movably coupled to the support column; and a device tray coupledto the mounting portion, wherein the device tray is located below theportable electronic device; wherein the device tray and the portableelectronic device are configured to simultaneously move relative to thework surface.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus furthercomprising a crossbar coupled to the mounting portion.
 3. The apparatusof claim 2, wherein the device tray is coupled to the crossbar.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein the apparatus further comprising a displaymount coupled to the crossbar, wherein the display mount is configuredto support an electronic display on a side of the portable electronicdevice.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a support memberconfigured to attach to the mounting portion, the support memberconfigured to support a keyboard, wherein the support member, theelectronic display, and the portable electronic device is configured tosimultaneously move relative to the work surface.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the mounting portion transports the support memberthrough a range of travel including: a first position in which themounting portion positions the support member below the base; and asecond position in which the mounting portion positions the supportmember above the base.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portableelectronic device is a notebook.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe clamp is configured to attach the base about a front edge of thework surface.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clamp isconfigured to attach the base about a back edge of the work surface.